AU2008200419B2 - Awning frame - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract An awning frame is disclosed. It is adapted for attachment to a building and is moveable between a roof 5 mode, where the frame extends outwardly from the building to enable the provision of a canopy, and a protection mode where the frame locates adjacent to a wall of the building. When in protection mode an awning associated with the frame can provide a protective barrier for the 10 wall. N:\Sydney\Cases\Patent\62000-62999\P62291.AU.1\Specia\P62291.AU.1 Specification 2008-1-17.doc 21/01/08 i/c, \\ \ I I e -~ - -- __ (5 ~ (5 4 ( 4 I I .. ~- C' I I / // I I / I., / / 'N ~ ~ I I ,/ / I I/I/I/I! I I __________ N / ('4 I/o 7------(NI L ~J(. 4~LA / I (*'.4 (5 * ~LI~ or-

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant(s): BLUESCOPE STEEL LIMITED Invention Title: AWNING FRAME The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 AWNING FRAME Technical Field An awning frame for use with a roof and as part of a 5 building system is disclosed. Whilst the frame and awning will primarily be described in this context they have broader application, for example in civil infrastructure. Background Art 10 The frequency and severity of severe weather events such as fires, storms and cyclones are likely to increase with the accelerating impact of climate change. When communities attempt to shelter from the impact of more extreme environmental events, debris screens or shutters 15 may temporarily be fitted to exposed windows or doors of building to protect the occupants against flying debris. In addition, occupants may also apply diagonal strips of packaging tape across glassed areas to reduce risk from shattered glass. 20 Such protective measures have limited inherent capacity to provide protection for the occupant. This problem is compounded in remote communities, where many residents do not have access to housing structures which meet basic building codes, and therefore which may be used 25 as a shelter during extreme environmental events. Summary of the Invention In a first aspect there is provided an awning frame adapted for attachment to a building with one or more 30 external walls and moveable between a roof mode where the frame extends outwardly in relation to an external wall of the building to enable the provision of a canopy, and a protection mode where the frame is located adjacent to the 3931277_4 (GHMatters) P62291.AU.1 -3 external wall of the building, the frame being further adapted such that, when in the protection mode, an awning associated with the frame can provide a protective barrier for the external wall, the frame being mounted to the 5 building such that an elongate element can first be positioned adjacent to the wall and a member of the frame can then abut that element when in the protection mode. In a second aspect there is provided an awning frame adapted for attachment to a building and comprising one or 10 more elongate frame members that are each moveable between a roof mode, where the frame member extends outwardly from the building to enable the provision of a canopy, and a protection mode wherein each frame member locates adjacent to an external wall of the building, with each frame 15 member being further adapted such that, when in the protection mode, it can provide a structural support function to the external wall, the frame being mounted to the building such that an elongate element can first be positioned adjacent to the wall and a member of the frame 20 can then abut that element when in the protection mode. Such a frame can provide a roof awning that can then provide a canopy (eg. in a portico-type arrangement) when deployed in the roof mode, but that can then provide a robust shield for an external wall of a building when 25 deployed in the protection mode. In addition, when deployed in the protection mode, frame members themselves may function to structurally reinforce the building wall (eg. after being fastened thereto). This reinforcing can occur regardless of whether or not an awning in mounted to 30 the frame. Further, deployment of the frame to the protection mode can render a pre-fabricated building ready for transport and make it easily transportable. 3931277_1 (GHMatters) P62291AU.1 - 4 Therefore, by providing an awning frame that is moveable between a roof mode and a protection mode, it is possible to enhance the structural properties of the building to, for example, better resist extreme 5 environmental events (such as cyclones, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods etc). Such deployment also allows for more versatile building usage. Embodiments of the awning frame can be employed in a wide variety of constructions and arrangements to 10 accommodate the configuration of the building wall. As the wall may include various penetrations for the purposes of windows, access ways (for personal and services) etc, embodiments of the awning frame may extend over the entire building wall or only a desired portion thereof. For 15 example, the awning frame may be constructed so as to only extend over doors or windows. Alternatively, the awning frame when deployed in the protection mode may not extend the full height of the wall. In one form the frame can be attached adjacent to or 20 can be offset from the wall of the building. The offset configuration can enable an associated external floor to be located between the frame and wall when in the protection mode. The elongate element may form a component of an 25 externally located floor that in use can project out from and be mounted to a lower part of the building wall, but that can be moved adjacent to the wall so that the frame member can thereafter abut it. Such an elongate element can eg. be pivotally 30 mounted to the wall via a hinge for pivotal movement between its outwardly projecting and wall-adjacent positions. In one embodiment the elongate element and 393i277_l (GHMatter) P62291.AU.1 -5 abutting adjacent frame member can be fastened together when in the wall-adjacent position. Thus, together the elongate element and adjacent frame member can define a type of "structural beam" at the wall. Such an orientation S can also enhance transportation and demounting of the building. In one form the frame can be moveable to the protection mode under the weight of the frame. In one form the frame can be pivotally mounted to 10 the building for pivotal movement between the roof and protection modes. For example, the frame can be pivotally mounted to an extending portion of a roof frame of the building via a hinge that enables the pivotal movement between the roof and protection modes. 15 The building can further comprise at least one support member to support a free end of the frame when in the roof mode. In one embodiment the support member can comprise a receiving portion at an in-use upper end thereof and upon which a free end of the frame can be 20 received to be supported in the roof mode. The height of the support member may also adjustable relative to the wall, whereby the roof pitch may be altered. An awning can be mounted to the frame in use to provide an externally located roof or canopy for the 25 building. The awning may be of a flexible or rigid material as desired. Alternatively, building roofing material can be mounted to the frame to provide a continuation of the building roof. In this regard, in the roof mode, the frame 30 can be caused to assume a pitch that is a continuation of the building roof pitch, whereby the building roofing 3931277_1 (GHMatters) P62291 AU.

- 6 material is able to be mounted to extend out from the roof and onto the frame. The building may be modular, portable, and/or prefabricated. In any case, the frame may be employed with 5 or incorporated into a variety of building types. In a third aspect there is provided a canopy for a building that comprises a multiplicity of frames, each being as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the canopy is formed by associating together 10 adjacent awnings associated with the frames. In the canopy of the third aspect the awnings can be arranged in an end-to-end relation, whereby an external room can be formed underneath the awnings. In a fourth aspect there is provided a building 15 system comprising a multiplicity of building units, each of the building units being adapted for having mounted thereto an awning frame as defined in the first or second aspects, wherein the building units can be arranged in a side-by-side configuration to define a desired footprint, 20 with the footprint being adjustable by the adding to or removal of respective building units. In the building system of the fourth aspect adjacent awning frames of adjacent building units can be adapted such that they can be connected to each other when the 25 building units are arranged in the side-by-side configuration. Further, in the building system of the fourth aspect each building unit can comprise at least one end support member arranged to support a free end of an end frame when 30 in the roof mode, wherein each end support member is also adapted to support an end frame free end of an adjacent building unit. In this regard, each end support member can 3931277_1 (GHMatters) P62291.AU.I -7 comprise a modified receiving portion at an in-use upper end thereof upon which can be received the end frame free ends of the adjacent building units. Further, the height of each end support member can be adjustable. 5 Brief Description of the Drawings Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within its scope, embodiments of the frame and awning will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the 10 accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a side sectional view of the awning frame according to a first embodiment shown in a protective mode abutting an elongate element; the trajectories of the frame and elongate element are shown in ghosted form. 15 Fig. 2 is an enlarged side sectional view of a hinge for the frame in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an enlarged side sectional view of a hinge for the elongate element in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1; 20 Fig. 4 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of an upper end of a support member in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of a lower end of a support member in accordance with the 25 embodiment of Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a side sectional view of the awning frame according to a second embodiment shown mid-stream moving to a roof mode from a protective mode; the trajectories of the frame and elongate element are shown in ghosted form.; 30 Fig. 7 is an enlarged side sectional view of a hinge for the frame in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 6; 39312771 (GHMatlers) P82291 AU.1 -8 Fig. 8 is an enlarged side sectional view of a hinge for the elongate element in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of 5 a support member and the free ends of two frames in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 6. Fig. 10 is an enlarged partial side view of lifting handles on the support member in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 6; 10 Fig. 11 is a side sectional view of the awning frame according to an embodiment of the invention in a roof mode and the elongate member projecting from the lower part of the building; the trajectories of frame and the elongate member are shown in ghosted form; 15 Fig. 12 is an enlarged side sectional view of a hinge for the frame in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is an enlarged side sectional view of a hinge for the elongate element in accordance with the 20 embodiment of Fig. 11; Fig. 14 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of an upper end of a support member and the free ends of two frames in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 11. Figs. 15 (a) and 15(b) are enlarged plan views of 25 two support members in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 11; Fig. 16 is an enlarged partial side sectional view of two ends of elongate members and a lower end of a support member in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 30 11; Fig. 17 is a floor plan of two building systems embodiments; 3931277.1 (GHMattes) P62291.AU.1 - 9 Fig. 18 is a floor plan and side elevational views of another building system embodiment; Fig. 19 is a top perspective rendered view of the rear of the building system of Fig. 18 with building roof 5 material mounted to the frame; Fig. 20 is a top perspective rendered view of the rear of the building system of Fig. 18 with an awning mounted to the frame; Fig. 21 is a top perspective rendered view of the 10 front of the building system of Fig. 18 with an awning mounted to the frame; Fig. 22 is a top perspective rendered view of the building system of Fig. 18 without an awning mounted to the frame. 15 Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments Referring to the drawings and particularly Figs. 1, 6 and 11, there is illustrated an awning frame 10 which is constructed from a square hollow section (SHS) steel beam. 20 The awning frame 10 is clad with a sheeting material to provide a canopy in the form of a roof panel 12. The inner end 14 of the awning frame 10 is designed to be mounted to the building 16 via roof hinge 18 at the end of an overhanging portion of the roof top chord 20. The roof 25 hinge 18 allows pivotal movement of the frame 10 between a protection mode (as best seen in Fig. 1) and a roof mode (see Fig. 11). The building 16 is fitted with an elongate element for a deck 22 which is designed to be mounted to the end of a floor beam 24. Like the awning frame 10, the 30 deck 22 is pivotally mounted to the floor beam 24 with a floor hinge 26. Figs. 1, 6 and 11 illustrate in ghosted 3931277_1 (GHMatters) P62291.AU.1 - 10 form the trajectory paths of the pivotal movement of both the awning frame 10 and the deck 22. In Fig. 1 the raised deck 22 lies against the exterior lining of the building wall 28 and the lowered 5 awning frame 10 lies against the deck 22. In the embodiment shown the building 16 is a modular construction and is adapted for transportation to be assembled on site. For transportation and assembly, thick restraining fin plates 30 are provided at the end of the building 16 to 10 secure a threaded tie rod (not shown) and restrain the awning frame 10 and the deck 22. In this protection mode the frame 10 is capable of providing a protective barrier and/or a structural support function enabling the building 16 to be better protected against environmental events 15 (such as cyclones, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods etc) and against mechanical damage during transportation. A centre post 32 is shown spaced from the building wall 28. The post 32 is constructed from a SHS galvanised steel beam and fitted over a pier 34 in a manner that 20 enables the centre post 32 to be raised and lowered as required. A saddle bracket 36 is fitted to the upper end 38 of the centre post 32 to support the free end 40 of the frame 10. The saddle bracket 36 has two stiffening plates 42 and a pair of opposing SHS spigots 44 (as best 25 seen in Figs 4, 9 and 14). A stop 46 for the deck is provided by an unequal angle section beam fitted to the upper end of the pier 34 (see Fig. 16). During the assembly process the post 32 is lowered to a certain height, say 1900mm, and when the frame 10 pivots 30 outwardly and upwardly to that height the top side of the spigot 44 catches the underside of the free end 40 of the frame 10. The frame 10 is lifted by the post 32 to the 39312771 (GHMatters) P62291 AU 1 - 11 desired height, e.g. 3500mm (see Fig. 11) which enables the pitch of the frame 10 to match that of the roof top chord 20 and thereby provide a continuation of the building roof 48. Figs. 1, 6 and 11 illustrate the 5 trajectory path of the post 32 relative to the frame 10. Figs. 2 to 5 illustrate particular construction details of assembly such as the roof hinge 18, the floor hinge 26, the saddle bracket 36, the deck stop 46 and the centre post 32. 10 Referring to the detail shown in Figs. 2, 7 and 12, a roof hinge 18 which provides pivotal movement of the frame 10 relative to the building 16 is defined by two interconnected capping plates 50, with each capping plate 50 welded, bolted, screwed (or affixed by some other 15 method) to the ends of the SHS roof top chord 20 and frame 10. The floor hinge 26 illustrated in Figs. 3, 8 and 13, is also defined by two interconnected capping plates 50, however the hinge has packing 52 so as to enable the deck 20 22 when raised to clear the building 16 and rest against the wall 28, as best seen in Fig. 1. It is to be appreciated that the roof hinge 18 and the floor hinge 26 may be constructed differently and the frame 10 may be opened further beyond that disclosed in the Figs provided. 25 Such alternative forms may not require packing 52. Referring to the detail shown in Figs. 4, 9 and 14, in particular Fig. 14, the centre post 32 supports the free ends 40 of two opposing frames 10. In the roof mode (Fig 14) the free ends 40 are with restrained by tie rod 30 (not shown) threaded through the SHS and secured with nuts and plate washes 54 in each end of the canopy . A ridge 3931277_1 (GHMtters) P62291 AU I - 12 cap cover 56 secured at the apex 58 of the resultant canopy. Referring to the detail in Figs. 5 and 16, the relationship between the deck 22 and the stop 46 is shown. 5 The unequal angle section beam supports the underside of the unsecured end of the deck 22. Like the free ends 40 of the frame 10, the end of the deck can be held in position by inserting tie-rods (not shown) threaded through the deck 22 and secured with nuts and plate 10 washers 54. Referring to the detail in Fig. 10, lifting handles 60 are provided on the centre post 32 to facilitate raising and lowering of the post 30 over the pier 34. Referring to Figs. 17 to 22, and particularly Figs. 15 17 and 18, various embodiments of building systems 62 are illustrated. The building systems 62 are shown in the form of homes 64 that have been constructed from three, four or five building modules 66. Two indoor rooms and an outdoor area are provided within a single module 66. The 20 modules 66 are arranged in a side-by-side configuration selected to provide a modular home 64 with the desired number, type and size of the indoor rooms. The indoor rooms (as best seen in Figs. 17 and 18) are configured as two bedrooms, or a kitchen and living area, or a kitchen 25 and a laundry, or a kitchen and a bedroom, or a laundry and bathroom. Other indoor/outdoor room types and combinations can be configured depending on the purpose of the building system or the occupant's needs. The resultant configuration of modules 66, which may also be 30 portable and/or prefabricated, provides a desired overall floor plan or footprint for the building. which can be adjusted by the adding or removal of respective modules 3931277_1 (GHMaters) P02291.AU.1 - 13 66. If desired the floor plan can be adjusted at a later date by the addition or removal of modules, depending on the needs of the occupier of the other use of the building. 5 In Figs 17 to 21, each module 66 has an awning frame 10 which is positioned so as to extend outwardly from an inwardly facing external wall 28 of the building 16 and over a deck 22. Adjacent awning frames 10 of adjoining modules 66 abut each other to provide an external room 10 such as an open living area 68 or a balcony/walkway 70 with a canopy 72 overhead. The awning frame 10 is shown having the same pitch as the building roof 48, thereby providing a continuation of the building roof 48. The awning frame 10 and the building roof 16 are clad with the 15 same roof sheeting material, e.g. BlueScope Lysaght Custom Orb. The overlying roof sheeting connects adjacent awning frames 10. Referring to Figs. 19 to 22, the modular homes 62 illustrated are raised from the ground and supported on 20 stilts 74 to enable the structure to withstand environmental effects, such as floods, although any type of building foundation can be used. To lower or raise the height of the awning frame 10, the post 32 or a number of posts are lowered or raised over the piers 34 located 25 underneath the deck 22. In Fig 22 the awning frame 10 and the roof top chord 20 are shown, i.e. the modular home 62 is unclad, without the roof sheeting. The posts 32 are positioned in a row, corresponding to the centreline of the building 16, so 30 that the saddle bracket 36 supports the free end 40 of an awning frame 10 or the junction of adjacent awning frames 10. Other saddle brackets may be used that can be 39312771 (GHMatters) P62291.AU.1 - 14 configured to support more than two awning frames. In addition, the saddle bracket may adopt alternative configurations enabling the pitch of one module to be different to that of another. The top roof chord 20 and 5 the awning frame 10 are shown pivotally mounted adjacent to the inward facing exterior wall 28 of the building 16, however, is it to be appreciated that the awning frame may be pivotally mounted to an extending portion of the roof frame as desired. In case of a hurricane, the awning 10 frame 10 can be moved to the protection mode by lowering the post 32, after removing any locking pins etc., which enables the free end 40 of the awning frame 10 to spill off the saddle bracket 36 and pivotally move under its own weight to rest adjacent to the inwardly facing exterior 15 wall 28 of the building 16 where it can provide a protective barrier and/or a structural support function for the wall. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description, except where the context requires otherwise 20 due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in 25 various embodiments. In addition, variations and modifications may be made to the parts previously described without departing from the spirit or ambit of the frame, canopy and building system as may now be defined in the appended claims. For 30 example, the awning frame 10 may be constructed from other kinds of rolled sections, channels and beams. The cladding may not necessarily be metal sheeting and the 3931277_1 (GHMatter) P2291.AU.1 - 15 building need not be a dwelling. A reference herein to a prior art document is not an admission that the document forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia. 5 3931277_1 (GHMaters) P62291.AU.1

Claims (27)

1. An awning frame adapted for attachment to a building with one or more external walls and moveable between a roof mode where the frame extends outwardly in relation to 5 an external wall of the building to enable the provision of a canopy, and a protection mode where the frame is located adjacent to the external wall of the building, the frame being further adapted such that, when in the protection mode, an awning associated with the frame can 10 provide a protective barrier for the external wall, the frame being mounted to the building such that an elongate element can first be positioned adjacent to the external wall and such that a member of the frame can then abut that element when in the protection mode. 15

2. A frame as claimed in claim 1 that is attached adjacent to or is offset from the wall of the building.

3. A frame as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 that is moveable to the protection mode under the weight of the frame. 20

4. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims that is pivotally mounted to the building for pivotal movement between the roof and protection modes.

5. A frame as claimed in claim 4, wherein the frame is pivotally mounted to an extending portion of a roof frame 25 of the building via a hinge that enables the pivotal movement between the roof and protection modes.

6. A frame as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the elongate element is a component of an externally located floor that in use can project out from and be 30 mounted to a lower part of the building wall, but that can be moved adjacent to the external wall so that the frame member can thereafter abut it. 39312774 (GHMatters) P62291.AU.I - 17

7. A frame as claimed in claim 6, wherein the elongate element is pivotally mounted to the external wall via a hinge for pivotal movement between its outwardly projecting and wall-adjacent positions. 5

8. A frame as claimed in any precedir.g claim, wherein the elongate element and abutting adjacent frame member can be fastened together when in the external wall adjacent position.

9. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding 10 claims, wherein the building comprises at least one support member to support a free end of the frame when in the roof mode.

10. A frame as claimed in claim 9, wherein the support member comprises a receiving portion at an in-use upper 15 end thereof and upon which a free end of the frame can be received to be supported in the roof mode.

11. A frame as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the height of the support member is adjustable relative to the wall, whereby the roof pitch may be altered. 20

12. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein an awning is mounted to the frame to provide an externally located roof or canopy for the building.

13. A frame as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, 25 wherein building roofing material is mounted to the frame to provide a continuation of the building roof.

14. A frame as claimed in claim 13, wherein in the roof mode the frame is caused to assume a pitch that is a continuation of the building roof pitch, whereby the 30 building roofing material is able to be mounted to extend out from the roof and onto the frame. 30317773 (GMMnttns) P6779% AU 1 - 18

15. A frame as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the building is modular, portable, and/or prefabricated.

16. An awning from in accordance with any one of claims 1 5 to 15 wherein the frame comprises one or more elongate frame members and wherein in the roof mode at least one frame member extends outwardly in relation to the external wall of the building and in the protection mode said at least one frame member provides structural support 10 function to the wall by being mounted to the building such that said at least one member abuts the elongate element positioned adjacent to the external wall.

17. An awning frame adapted for attachment to a building with one or more external walls and comprising one or more 15 elongate frame members that are each moveable between a roof mode, where the frame member extends outwardly in relation to an external wall of the building to enable the provision of a canopy, and a protection mode wherein each frame member locates adjacent to the external wall of the 20 building without moving the external wall, with each frame member being further adapted such that, when in the protection mode, it can provide a structural support function to the external wall, the frame being mounted to the building such that an elongate element can first be 25 positioned adjacent to the external wall and such that a member of the frame can then abut that element when in the protection mode.

18. An awning frame substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30

19. A canopy for a building that comprises a multiplicity of frames, each being as defined in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the canopy is formed by 3931277_4 (GHMatters) P62291.AU.1 - 19 associating together adjacent awnings associated with the frames.

20. A canopy as claimed in claim 19 wherein the awnings are arranged in an end-to-end relation, whereby an 5 external room can be formed underneath the awnings.

21. A building system comprising a multiplicity of building units, each of the building units being adapted for having mounted thereto an awning frame as defined in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the building units can 10 be arranged in a side-by-side configuration to define a desired footprint, with the footprint being adjustable by the adding to or removal of respective building units.

22. A building system as claimed in claim 21, wherein adjacent awning frames of adjacent building units are 15 adapted such that they can be connected to each other when the building units are arranged in the side-by-side configuration.

23. A building system as claimed in claim 21 or 22 wherein each building unit comprises at least one end 20 support member arranged to support a free end of an end frame when in the roof mode, wherein each end support member is also adapted to support an end frame free end of an adjacent building unit.

24. A building system as claimed in claim 23, wherein 25 each end support member comprises a modified receiving portion at an in-use upper end thereof upon which can be received the end frame free ends of the adjacent building units.

25. A building system as claimed in claim 23 or 24, 30 wherein the height of each end support member is adjustable. 39312774 (GHMatters) P62291.AU.1 - 20

26. A canopy substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures.

27. A building system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying figures. 5 3931217_3 (GHMalr) Pr2291 AU 1